Manila: More than 4.5 million minimum wage earners in the private sector benefited from wage hikes across 14 regions in 2025. According to data from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) released on Wednesday, the wage adjustments, ranging from PHP20 to PHP100, were issued in alignment with the National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) policy on regular, moderate, and predictable minimum wage increases.
According to Philippines News Agency, The 14 Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards (RTWPBs), including regions such as the National Capital Region (NCR), Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and others, have issued their respective Wage Orders this year. DOLE reported that all wage orders were issued motu proprio, with most being unanimously agreed upon by the RTWPBs.
The adjustments are set to take effect following the anniversary of previous wage orders, reinforcing policy stability to attract investments needed to generate more employment. The NCR currently boasts the highest daily minimum wage rate, ranging from PHP658 to PHP695 for workers in private establishments. Meanwhile, RTWPBs in the Davao Region and Bicol are scheduled to begin their wage determination processes in early 2026.
The DOLE also announced that 11 wage orders have been enacted to increase the monthly minimum wage for domestic workers in various regions, benefiting 755,000 domestic workers in 2025. These increases range from PHP300 to PHP2,000 per month.
The department added that approximately 8 million full-time wage and salary workers earning above the minimum wage are also expected to indirectly benefit from wage adjustments due to the correction of wage distortions. Wage distortion arises when mandated wage increases result in the elimination or severe contraction of wage differences among employee groups.
In response to several typhoons affecting businesses, the DOLE, through the NWPC, has provided guidelines for exemptions for calamity-affected enterprises. Businesses may apply for exemptions through their respective RTWPBs.
Furthermore, RTWPBs have been directed to implement productivity improvement programs and gainsharing schemes to promote sustainable wage growth. As of November 2025, over 28,000 MSMEs have received productivity orientation, with significant improvements reported in workplace productivity.
